…Gives ultimatum to landlords
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government, said it had concluded arrangements to relocate the railway station Umuahia, to a more descent location to decongest the city centre.
It also said that the Isi-gate Market would be relocated to a more more spacious place to enhance the aesthetic view of the state capital.
The General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, who disclosed this during a meeting with landlords and stakeholders in Umuahia, also directed landlords with unauthorised projections in the their buildings to dismantle them immediately or brace up for sanctions.
He gave landlords in the state capital up till February 13, 2025, to comply with the directive.
According to the UCDA boss, the unauthorised projections are defacing the aesthetic view of the capital city, hence the directive by the State Government for their removal.
He said that the State Government was determined to restore the beauty of the City to give it a befitting look as state capital.
Mr Agomuo also directed landlords who converted their residential properties into commercial buildings without approval to revert to the original building plans.
He said that any landlord willing to change the original plan of the building, should obtain the necessary approvals from government.
Agomuo pleaded with property owners to return their structures to the original plans.
He said: “A lot is going on in Abia State and we need your cooperation. Government is not doing anything to inflict pains on you. We will also not allow the relocation of timber into the town. Umuahia must look like a state capital.”
Speaking further, the UCDA boss, said Government had acquired a new site measuring 5 hectares of land behind Golden Guinea Brewery, Afara, to relocate traders at Isi gate Umuahia.
This, according to him, is part of urban renewal efforts of the Alex Otti-led administration.
He also disclosed of plans by government to transform Umuahia into a modern city including building major water drainages.
He said: “Before doing anything, we would like to engage the people. Gov. Alex Otti wants Umuahia to look like a state capital. Untill now, it is not. Government wants to change the face of Umuahia. Under Gov. Otti, Umuahia is changing.
“Government has started work on Umuahia central drainage to take all waters to Olokoro. A lot is going to happen in Umuahia, including a 5-Star international hotel and a befitting 40,000-capacity stadium. We cannot sit by and watch people deface Umuahia.
“The government is addressing the matter of Isi Gate and by December, Umuahia will wear a different look. The state government is building a market behind Golden Guinea Brewery. So, by Easter and December, Isi Gate will wear a new look. Construction of the market is already on for a modern market with bank facilities, among others.”
On the planned relocation of railway station, he said it was aimed at making movement easier within the capital city.
